Prime Minister of Tibet Exile Government Appears on VOA

July 20, 2012

Lobsang Sangay (right) on VOA's Kunleng

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Prime Minister of Tibet Exile Government Appears on VOA

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Lobsang Sangay, Prime Minister (Kalon Tripa) of the Tibetan exile government, appeared Friday on the VOA Tibetan program Kunleng, where he said there is a link between China’s policies in Tibet and the recent increase in self-immolations.

“What we are asking China, is to see the reasons and cause behind the self-immolations,” Lobang Sangay said. “These incidences have happened because of China’s repressive policy on Tibetans…the Chinese government has the power to resolve the issue by showing restraint and giving meaningful autonomy to Tibetans,” he added.

The prime minister of the exiled government was in Washington this week for meetings with the U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, Maria Otero, as well as House Speaker John Boehner and Senators John McCain, John Kerry, and Joseph Lieberman.

Dr. Sangay told VOA that Speaker Boehner expressed support for the Tibetan issue, especially his belief in freedom and democracy, and his concern for improving the situation of Tibetans.

On a lighter note, the Kalon Tripa spoke of his bond with Senator Kerry over the Boston Red Sox. “I met him (Senator Kerry) during my visit in November. He is from Massachusetts, and both of us keep up with Patriot and Red Sox games. He always introduces me by saying, ‘He is the political leader of the Tibetan administration and is also a Red Sox fan,’” laughed Dr. Sangay.